KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - The fourth-ranked Lady Vol softball team saw its 13-game winning streak come to an end on Sunday afternoon at the hands of No. 8 Alabama, 8-1. Tennessee won the first two games of the series on Saturday, 3-1 and 7-1, to clinch a series victory over the Crimson Tide for the first time since 1997. Even though the loss on Sunday dropped the Lady Vols to 29-4, 2-1 in Southeastern Conference play, the Big Orange remains off to its best start in school history. Alabama saw its record improve to 25-6, 1-2 in the SEC.

The Crimson Tide took control of the contest with a four-run second. With one swing of the bat, shortstop Dominique Accetturo lined a two-run shot over the left field fence with nobody out, marking the first time Tennessee has allowed more than one run in a contest since a 5-2 loss to Notre Dame on Feb. 27. Following two strikeouts, first baseman Dani Woods earned a walk and designated player Chrissy Owens lined a double to left field to score Woods. On the play, an overthrow on an attempt to get Woods at second sailed into center field, allowing her to plate the fourth run of the inning.

Alabama added to its lead in the third with three more tallies on a single, two walks, two wild pitches and a passed ball and a final run in the seventh.

The Lady Vols had a tough time trying to rally against Crimson Tide pitcher Stephanie VanBrakle, scoring their lone run in the third inning. With two outs, sophomore second baseman Ashley Cline drew a walk and sophomore shortstop Lindsay Schutzler tripled her in with a shot off the center field fence.

The Big Orange batters were able to reach base each of the final four frames, including two in the sixth, but were not able to plate any more runners.

"Alabama came to play today, we didn't," Co-Head Coach Ralph Weekly said.

The No. 4 Tennessee Lady Vols continue their SEC campaign with a three-game series at South Carolina. The squads play a doubleheader on Tuesday with first pitch at 3 p.m. before ending the series with a single game at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Check into utladyvols.com for live stats or call the Lady Vol Hotline at 865-974-8700 (#6) for voicemail updates during live game action.